2025 Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame Spotlight: Justin Austin

BY JOHN BOHNENKAMP

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- The team around him, says Justin Austin (12BA), made all the difference.

Austin, who grew up in Milwaukee, was a sprinter at the University of Kentucky before deciding to transfer to Iowa.

“I wanted to be closer to home — be closer to my son,” Austin says. “It was down to Wisconsin and Iowa. I knew nothing about Iowa, but I knew about Coach (Joey) Woody. We connected when we met, and that’s how I ended up at Iowa.”

Austin went on to become a five-time All-American with the Hawkeyes. He was the Big Ten’s Track Athlete of the Year in 2011 and 2013, also winning the conference’s Athlete of the Outdoor Championships those years, becoming the first Hawkeye to win those awards twice. He graduated from Iowa holding five program records.

Sparked by Austin and other key newcomers, Iowa won the Big Ten championship in his first year with the team — an achievement he considers one of his proudest.

“I think the key to my success was just the circle that they put around me,” Austin says. “The coaches put together an amazing group.”

Austin says his time at Iowa helped him develop a resilience that’s benefited him beyond track.

“I feel like no matter what’s going on, no matter what situation you put me in, I feel like I can always put myself somewhere to succeed, and then mix with the best of everybody,” he says.

Now, as he reflects on his induction into the UI Athletics Hall of Fame, Austin is grateful to know his contributions won’t be forgotten. “It’s just nice to know that I’ll be remembered,” he says.

Justin Austin (Men’s Track and Field)
Five-time All-American, earning the distinction in 2011 (indoor, 200-meters; outdoor, 200-meters), 2012 (outdoor, 200-meters) and 2013 (outdoor, 200-meters; outdoor, 400-meter relay)… two-time Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year in 2011 and 2013… two-time Big Ten Athlete of the Outdoor Championships (2011, 2013)… only Hawkeye to be Big Ten Track Athlete of the Year and Big Ten Athlete of the Championship twice… five-time Big Ten champion –  2011 (indoor 200-meters; outdoor 200-meters), 2013 (outdoor 100-meter; outdoor 200-meters; outdoor 400-meter relay)… two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection (2011, 2013)… Big Ten Athlete of the Week (April 10, 2013)… graduated with five school records – indoor (60-meters, 200-meters); outdoor (100-meters, 200-meters, 4x100-relay).